Yes, you can successfully grow a cherry tree from a pit, the seed found inside the hard stone of the fruit. This method is biologically possible for the Prunus species, but it is not standard practice in commercial fruit production. Growing a tree from a seed is an accessible project for any home gardener. It requires a careful, multi-step process to break the seed’s natural dormancy and manage expectations about the fruit the tree will eventually produce. The initial step focuses on mimicking the natural cold period the pit would experience during winter.
Preparing the Pit for Germination
The cherry pit contains an embryo protected by a hard shell and a chemical state of dormancy. To prompt germination, the seed must undergo cold stratification, which simulates a period of winter chilling. The process begins by thoroughly cleaning the pit. Soak it in warm water for a few minutes and gently scrub away all traces of fruit pulp, as residual fruit material can encourage mold growth during storage.
After cleaning, allow the pits to air-dry for three to five days in a warm area away from direct sunlight. Once dried, the seeds are ready to be placed in a cold, moist environment for several months. Place the pits in a sealed container or plastic bag with a medium like slightly damp peat moss, sand, or a mixture of the two. The medium should be moist but not saturated to prevent the seeds from rotting.
The container must be placed in a refrigerator, ideally maintaining a consistent temperature between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This chilling period needs to last for a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks to effectively break the seed’s dormancy. Avoid storing the pits near fruits like apples or bananas, which release ethylene gas that can negatively affect viability. After this simulated winter, the pits are ready for planting.
Planting and Nurturing the Seedling
Following successful cold stratification, the pits are ready to be planted indoors for a protected start. Use small containers filled with a quality, well-draining potting soil mixture. Plant the pits about one inch deep, covering them lightly with the potting medium. Planting several pits offers a better chance of success, as not all seeds will germinate.
Place the containers in a location that receives full sun, such as a south-facing windowsill, and maintain consistent moisture. The soil should remain damp but never waterlogged, which can quickly lead to rot. Once the seedlings reach six to twelve inches in height, they are ready to begin acclimating to outdoor conditions. This “hardening off” phase involves gradually exposing the young plants to wind, direct sun, and cooler temperatures over a week or two.
The young tree should be transplanted into its final outdoor location after the danger of frost has passed, typically in the spring. Cherry trees need at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily and thrive in deep, well-draining soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Continued care involves regular watering, especially during dry periods, and protecting the young trunk from pests and mechanical damage.
Understanding Genetic Variation and Fruiting Time
The greatest difference between a tree grown from a pit and one purchased from a nursery lies in genetic consistency and fruiting time. Commercial cherry varieties are propagated through grafting, which ensures the new tree is a clone of the parent, possessing all the desired fruit characteristics. A tree grown from a pit is a product of sexual reproduction, meaning it is a genetic hybrid of the parent tree and the cherry tree that provided the pollen.
This genetic recombination means the resulting fruit will likely not be “true-to-type,” and the cherries produced may be significantly different from the parent fruit. Quality is highly variable, often resulting in smaller fruit with an inferior flavor profile, which is why commercial growers avoid this method. The resulting seedling tree is essentially a new, unique variety with unknown characteristics.
Another factor is the substantial time delay before the tree begins to fruit. Grafted cherry trees often begin producing fruit within two to five years. In contrast, a cherry tree grown from a pit requires a longer period to reach sexual maturity. It typically takes five to ten years or even longer before the first fruit appears, as this extended wait is a natural part of a seedling’s development.